Region 11
Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby

Region 11 Reports

Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment highlights data and stories from community members across the Region and includes strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our local Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.

Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.

Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.

Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.

a map of Illinois with Region 11 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Alexandria Poe, AP Therapeutic Practice & Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education, Owner & Associate Director

  • Dennis Pearson, Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., Head Start Director

  • Emily Zerrusen, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Social Work Clinician

  • Erika Hollis, Paris CUSD #95, Instructional Coach

  • Jayme Holt, Franklin Preschool, Principal

  • Katie Parrish, Lake Land College, Sociology Instructor

  • Katrina Farris, Mattoon School District, Director of Early Childhood

  • Laurrie Minor, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, Director

  • Melissa Coleman, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Higher Education Navigator & Outreach Coordinator & Adjunct Faculty

  • Melissa Krieger, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Mikki Sherwood, Eastern Illinois University, Professor

  • Staci Christer, Shelby County Health Department, MCH Nurse

  • Teresa Metzger, Regional Office of Education #11, McKinney-Vento Lead Liaison

Family Council Members

  • Abigail Gibson, Marshall (Clark County)

  • Aimee Younker, Moweaqua (Shelby County)

  • Amanda Baima, Charleston (Coles County)

  • Britny Donaldson, Tuscola (Douglas County)

  • Elizabeth Ingram, Tuscola (Douglas County)

  • Jenny Lewis, Greenup (Cumberland County)

  • Jordan Sharp, Paris (Edgar County)

  • Kennedy Polanski, Sullivan (Moultrie County)

  • Micah Wiley, Sullivan (Moultrie County)

  • Molly Plank, Tuscola (Douglas County)

  • Nicole Huffman, Martinsville (Clark County)

  • Samantha Elliott, Paris (Edgar County)

  • Skyler Harford, Mattoon (Coles County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

Coming soon!

 
A headshot of Kayli Bontrager. Kayli has medium length blonde wavy hair and is smiling. Kayli is wearing a black blouse with a burgundy blazer on top.

Kayli Bontrager

Kayli Bontrager (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 11. Kayli was raised in Cumberland County and currently resides in Arthur, Illinois with her husband and daughter. Kayli is passionate about rural communities, diverse family structures, and increasing society’s awareness of these families’ unique needs and challenges.

Kayli obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in Human Services from Eastern Illinois University where she concentrated on family research programming. While earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Kayli volunteered with the University of Illinois Extension’s Family Life Team for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties where she also completed her Master’s Capstone. In her free time, Kayli enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and baking.

 
A headshot of Ellyn Andrews. Ellyn has long blonde hair and is wearing a black top and brown patterned eyeglasses.

Ellyn Andrews

Ellyn Andrews (she/her) is the Region 11 Administrative Support. Ellyn operated a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensed home child care for over a decade. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, she worked in education and then spent several years in business administration. Ellyn is a passionate advocate for children. She firmly believes teamwork and strategic collaboration across various agencies and communities at all levels (local, state, and federal) will have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Outside of work, Ellyn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and watching beautiful sunsets.

Contact Region 11

Please fill out the form below to contact Region 11. Your message will go directly to their inbox. You may also reach them at (309) 270-5687.